Question

The wild-type Simploids become reproductively mature much later than do mutant Simploids, so mutant Simploids effectively have more offspring in the same amount of time. How might delaying reproduction allow wild-type Simploids to do as well as the mutants over the long term?

a)If wild-type Simploids produce fewer offspring over their entire lifetime than do mutants
b)If the offspring of wild-type Simploids are less likely to survive than those of mutants
c)If wild-type adult Simploids are less likely to survive periods of food scarcity than adult mutants
d)If wild-type adult Simploids are less vulnerable to predation than adult mutants

Answer 1

Delaying reproduction allows wild-type Simploids to do as well as mutants over the long term by increasing the survival and adaptability of their offspring.

This correct answer is b)

Step-by-step explanation:

The delay in reproduction for wild-type Simploids allows them to do as well as the mutants over the long term because sexual reproduction results in offspring with diverse phenotypes,

which enhances the survival of a population in a changing environment.

By delaying reproduction, wild-type Simploids can produce offspring that have a greater chance of surviving and adapting to different conditions, ensuring the long-term success of the population.

This correct answer is b)